Ambassador West Development

The City of Phoenix Housing Department is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) FY25-086-10 for the redevelopment of Ambassador West Apartments, located at 345 North 5th Avenue in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. The RFI seeks creative development concepts for approximately 2.13 gross acres of city-owned parcels, which currently include existing affordable housing apartments and two adjacent vacant parcels. The primary objective is to create a transformative multifamily rental housing development that will replace the existing 102 affordable units, with a requirement that a minimum of 50% of total units be offered at 80% Area Median Income (AMI) and below. Key deliverables include a comprehensive development proposal that addresses phasing, parking structure, target populations, and community impact, along with a detailed relocation plan for existing residents. Important dates for this opportunity include a site tour on June 13, 2025, RFI inquiries due by June 27, 2025, and RFI submittals due by July 25, 2025 at 5:00 pm. The City intends to execute a ground lease for a minimum of 40 years and is open to potential assistance mechanisms such as gap financing, Project Based Vouchers, or Public Housing Operating Subsidy.

The RFI does not explicitly restrict participation to specific types of organizations, but implies a preference for developers experienced in affordable and mixed-income housing development. The City will expect the selected developer to be responsible for resident relocation expenses. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, the project involves integrating with existing water and sewer infrastructure, as detailed in Exhibit D, which outlines specific requirements for water and sewer connections. The development must comply with local zoning regulations, including height and density restrictions outlined in Exhibit B, which shows building height limitations ranging from 30 to 975 feet and density ranges from 10 to 218 dwelling units per acre. Though a specific award value is not provided, the project involves significant urban redevelopment with potential for substantial investment. The HUD Income Limits table (Exhibit E) provides context for the income-based housing requirements, with income limits ranging from 50% to 120% of Area Median Income for various household sizes.